Bill Jay

I appreciate photographs which celebrate harmony. I don't particularly want to look at chaos. I see enough of that at home.

— Bill Jay

I agree, intellectualism in photography is overrated. I just wish it could be replaced by common sense.

— Bill Jay

Why do photographers photograph? To make unreality visible.

— Bill Jay

There are many reasons why photography does not attract the social and cultural attention it deserves. I would add one more which…

— Bill Jay

I start a lot of photo projects but never seem to. . . .

— Bill Jay

If you cannot think of anything to say that is useful or enlightening about your images, then don't say anything. There are…

— Bill Jay

Think clearly, act sensibly, commit yourself to caring and work hard in order to discover joy. Then give the images back to…

— Bill Jay

Be gentle and tolerant. Intimacy will grow, but will take time and cannot be rushed. If all goes well, soon you will…

— Bill Jay

If you are intent on drawing or painting on your prints, you must first learn to draw and paint at least as…

— Bill Jay

...photographers who carry 60 pounds of equipment up a hill to photograph a view are not suffering enough, although their whining causes…

— Bill Jay

Only in art can you make something that no one wants and still be considered successful.

— Bill Jay

Photographers have already photographed everything too many times, except cheese.

— Bill Jay

A photograph is a mirror; mostly it reflects the prejudices of the viewer.

— Bill Jay

Photography opens your eyes a little wider to the world around you.

— Bill Jay

Photographers, like kids, should be seen and not heard.

— Bill Jay

Ask photographers to write and they have nothing to say; ask them to talk about their work and they won't shut up.

— Bill Jay

Evolution in action: First, God said, 'Let there be light.' Then, he created two nude models. Now we have photographers.

— Bill Jay

True, there are photographers who are failed artists, but so are most artists.

— Bill Jay

Predators and prey always coexist. That's why we have galleries as well as photographers.

— Bill Jay

My point is that meaning is always personal, changeable and subjective. There is no 'correct' interpretation of a photograph.

— Bill Jay

Advice to artists: always take the opportunity to shut up.

— Bill Jay

If it is not an interesting picture when in focus, it is not going to be a better picture out of focus.

— Bill Jay

But there are times when thinking is misplaced, like when taking photographs. You cannot think your way to making photographs; you can…

— Bill Jay

'I am a camera' but it is a discontinued model.

— Bill Jay

When you can't think of anything else, photograph graffiti, nudes, or plants.

— Bill Jay